Malawi has been given the opportunity to host the 2012-13 Pan Africa Airtel Rising Star tournament, according to Malawi Secondary Schools Association (Massa).
Massa treasurer Christopher Kabwazi, who led the Malawi team to Kenya where the tournament took place, said Malawi was given the go ahead to organise the tournament.
“It is up to us now. The ball is in our court. It is a privilege to host such a big tournament,†said Kabwazi during a press briefing on arrival from Kenya on Friday.
Massa general secretary Blackson Malamula said hosting the tournament will boost football standards in the country at the grass roots.
“We are excited at the prospect of hosting such a major tournament where the cream of footballing nations will showcase their talent. Our youth stand to benefit in terms of exposure and also social interaction,†said Malamula.
He, however, said they are yet to discuss with sponsors Airtel and government on whether Malawi can manage to host the event.
“This is something which needs the consent of government and Airtel. So, once the stakeholders approve, it is when we will start the planning process such as identifying venues and other logistics things such as transport and accommodation for over 200 people,†he said.
Each participating country, including hosts contributes $10 000 dollars (about K2.7 million) towards the event.
The Airtel Rising Star tournament was introduced in 2011. It targets under-17 boy and girls and over 26 countries from within Africa, where Airtel operates, take part.
